Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

A cypher is defined as a secret or disguised way of writing. There is a way to decrypt a cypher if you are meant to receive the message. Often there will be a key code to make the message plain to anyone who has received it. Jesus spoke openly and plainly about things and all could here, but hidden within the message was the true meaning.

Does the bible contain hidden messages that only the key code will make plain to understand? Will those with dull ears understand the Word of God if suddenly they find a key code and use it to discover the hidden messages? Let us explore that thought for a moment.

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

In the natural world water takes on a form, it is water and must have its boundaries defined by land. Here in this verse we see the earth without form and void. There is also darkness. Water without warmth which comes from light is a solid, ice and is not moved. In Genesis 1:3 light is spoken into existence, so what makes this reference in 1:2 significant enough to be spoken of as if it were in its natural state?

The Spirit of God moved upon it. Is this perhaps a key code as to a deeper meaning about the movement of water? Is this telling us to look to where the movement of water is written in the Word? Can we apply the key code there and decipher the hidden message?

Exodus 14:21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Here is a classic movement of water of great significance. Now apply the key code, the Spirit of God. It is plain to see that words Spirit of God are not able to render a plain understanding of the passage. If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, if you are one who seeks the key code to debunk the Word of God, your efforts will yield nothing. The words Spirit of God are not the key code, the Spirit is the key to unlocking the message and making it plain to understand.

How do you get the key code, the Spirit of God?

By faith in Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me:

Tactics in a military campaign only means that if what you are doing doesn’t work, try something else. You know what the end goal is to be accomplished and if the enemy isn’t responding, find something that will work.

Perhaps it would be helpful to understand what Paul meant by glorying. In the opening verses of chapter twelve Paul makes reference to an experience that is unique. Not many, if any, can relate to this experience. He even plays it off by saying, “I knew a man”, verse 2. I am sure Paul is talking about himself, but for the sake of his audience, he gives credit to a character of unknown qualifications.

“One caught up into the third heaven” Paul continues. In verse 5 Paul says “Of such an one will I glory”. Even though this is Paul’s second letter to the people of Corinth, they are still not ready to hear and receive a deeper truth about Christ abilities to will and do above what man can imagine. Seeing is believing. They compelled Paul by not growing in faith and not being ready to receive the deeper things of God.

Verse 10, Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Paul found it necessary to be less than all he is in Christ for Christ’s sake. These were believers in Christ, members of the body of Christ. Paul had to change tactics in presenting all the possibilities which are in Christ and available to them, because they were not yet mature enough to move on to greater things.

I call this knowing your audience. As I fellowship with members of the body I gain confidence in who you are in Christ. If you have a level of maturity which can receive deeper things, we can share in the glory which is Christ in us. If not, I have to hold back. Not because you are unworthy, but because you are not ready.

Being a fool for Christ is OK, if that is what it takes.